Sterk said the salary increases had been planned before Hoke left to become head coach at Michigan last month and that Long had discretion on how to divide the money among assistants.

Long said he needed a competitive salary to offer Ludwig, who last year served as offensive coordinator at Cal and earned about $250,000.

“I think everybody is of equal value,” Long said. “We had to compete to get Andy here, plus he’s going to be running the offense. I don’t know who is going to calling the defense yet, so there was no reason to name defensive coordinator. If I had named a defensive coordinator, he would have made more money sure.”

The market for coaching salaries tends to spiral up as teams change coaches and try to attract the best candidates to build winning programs. In 2008, SDSU’s offensive coordinator made $183,000. That was the year SDSU finished 2-10. Last season, SDSU had its first winning season since 1998 at 9-4.

“A big part of it is who you have helping you,” Sterk said. “Those assistants have played a big role in the past and will continue to. You’ve got 110 guys you’re coaching up and working with and keeping track of academically and athletically. They’re very important to the success.”